"I think it's only fair that I talk to the players first before I announce what our plans are," Girardi said before the Yankees' series finale against the Minnesota Twins. "We've talked about how we're going to do things."

Hints were given during his seven-minute Q & A with beat writers in the third dugout at Target Field.

One clue was Korean first baseman Ji-Man Choi, a left-handed hitter, getting optioned to Triple-A to make room for Frazier rather than rookie Garrett Cooper, a right-handed hitter, losing his roster spot.

That tells you that Cooper probably will be seeing action in a platoon role at first base.

Also, Girardi says the plan is to play Frazier every day and keep him at one position.

The biggest hint dropped was when Girardi responded to a question on whether switch-hitter Chase Headley will go from being the starting third baseman to platooning at first with Cooper.

"I'll let you know as we go on," the manager answered.

Ding, ding, ding!

Reading the tea leaves, it's seems apparent that Headley's role will be changing in a big way.

Neither Frazier nor Headley was in the Yankees' lineup Wednesday. Headley was given a rest day while Frazier was activated but not playing because his flight from Chicago was delayed and not due to land in Minneapolis until noon local time.

Frazier will be available to come off the bench, so the Toms River, N.J. product could be debuting for the Yankees on Wednesday. If not, he'll surely start Thursday night in Seattle ... probably at first base.

"He's played more third than first," Girardi said. "That's the case with Headley too. I think it's fair that we talk to the parties before we tell you."